The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the most remarkable stories in the NFL this season. Heading into Week 18 with a 14-2 record, they are in contention for the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC.

The dynamic combination of Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson has emerged as one of the best duos in the league, further solidifying Jefferson’s greatness and setting the stage for Darnold, who is in a “prove-it” year, to become one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the offseason. With a strong supporting cast, a well-coached team, and a reliable defense, the Vikings have exceeded expectations.

Minnesota is now aiming for the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the conference with a victory over the Detroit Lions (13-2) in Week 18. However, If they’re to defeat the Lions, Jefferson will need to play a key role, just as he has week in and week out.

After his standout performance in Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings officially announced that Jefferson has surpassed 1,400 receiving yards for the fourth time in his career. This milestone ties him for the third-most seasons in NFL history with at least 1,400 receiving yards. He now trails only Jerry Rice (6) and Julio Jones (5) on the all-time list.

This season, Justin Jefferson has recorded 100 receptions for 1,479 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s averaged an impressive 14.8 yards per catch and has consistently been one of the top wide receivers in the league since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of LSU.

Now, for just the second time in his NFL career, Jefferson is heading to the postseason and the Vikings have clear Super Bowl aspirations with the possibility of securing home-field advantage and a first-round bye if they can knock off Detroit.